BJANA D.C.

I am excited to introduce myself to the BJANA of DC Metro community! My name is Chandra Kumar ( Bulbul), and I am a second-generation Bihari, born in Saharsa, Bihar. My family and I immigrated to the USA when I was just an infant in the early 1970s. This journey has shaped me into a unique blend of Western and Indian values, and I take immense pride in my Bihari heritage.
 
Professionally, I currently serve as the Chief Operating Officer for Goodwin Living, a non-profit healthcare and housing organization serving senior citizens. Our organization encompasses over 1,000 units of Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Long Term and Post-Acute Care services, employing over 1,100 dedicated team members. My experience has provided me with a strong foundation in organizational leadership, systems and process management, board governance, and stakeholder relations. With over 30 years of executive leadership experience in a highly regulated industry, I have always strived to maintain ethical balance in my professional journey. My career includes working in large matrixed organizations such as Marriott International and Erickson Senior Living.
 

Venkatesh has served in technical leadership roles at PWC and IBM. Being a native of Jamshedpur, he has fond memories.  He is committed in giving back to the American community at large through this organization.

My name is Ravi Chauhan, and I currently reside in Maryland, USA, with my wife and two children. I moved to the United States in 2011, following my professional experience in Bangalore. I was born in Jamshedpur, formerly part of Bihar, where I also completed my schooling. My parents continue to live in Jamshedpur, enjoying their retirement.
I am working as Senior Data Analyst in Healthcare industry. I have close to 20 years of experience in IT. 

Urmila Prasad is a Senior IT Professional at NASA/Goddard in Maryland. Over 20 years ago, she co-founded the Tarang Music Group with Mr. Vidya Sagar—one of the first full-fledged orchestra groups in the Washington Metro area. The group has performed at prestigious venues, including the Indian Embassy and the Ambassador’s residence. Urmila has also hosted Indian ambassadors and visiting artists at her home, helping to foster unity and cultural pride within the Indian community through these gatherings.

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A passionate musician since childhood, Urmila has delivered numerous performances both locally and out of state with her music group. She performs Bollywood music—from classics to contemporary hits—using live orchestras or karaoke, depending on the occasion. She sings fluently in several Indian languages including Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, and Bhojpuri.

Beyond her musical pursuits, Urmila has been a dedicated community leader. She has served as President of the Indian Cultural Coordination Committee (ICCC) and the Association of Engineers from India (ASEI). Through these roles, she has played a vital part in bringing the Indian community together to support common causes and cultural initiatives.

Originally from Bihar, Urmila holds her Bhojpuri roots close to her heart—even after many years in the United States.

My name is Rashmi Kumar, a software engineer working in an MNC in the USA. I’m a family-oriented person, raising two wonderful boys. I’m deeply passionate about sharing the ancient wisdom I’ve received from Himalayan yogis. My purpose in joining the Bajana community is to help preserve and promote our rich cultural heritage, especially among the younger generation growing up in the age of AI. 

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